Simeon’s Prophetic Praise

25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout,(A) looking forward to Israel’s consolation,(B) and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit(C) that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.(D) 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.(E)
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles[a](F)
and glory to your people Israel.(G)

33 His father and mother[b] were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel(H) and to be a sign that will be opposed[c] 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[d] of many hearts may be revealed.”

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Footnotes

  1. 2:32 Or the nations
  2. 2:33 Other mss read But Joseph and his mother
  3. 2:34 Or spoken against
  4. 2:35 Or schemes

The Prophecy of Simeon

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
    as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
    and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

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